Diabetes-Friendly Eating: 3 Helpful Tips for Enjoying Street Food

Navigating the vibrant world of street food can be tricky with diabetes, but there’s no need to miss out on all the fun. From helping a senior parent enjoy a day out to treating yourself to a little culinary adventure, you can still make smart choices and keep blood sugar in check. 

Here are three helpful tips. 

Go for High-Protein, Low-Carb Choices

Picking high-protein, low-carb foods is a great way to manage blood sugar levels because it slows down how quickly the body absorbs glucose. Plus, protein-rich foods give you more lasting energy, which means fewer sugar spikes and crashes.

When you’re browsing street food options, think grilled chicken, beef, or fish, or even something like hard-boiled eggs or tofu. These are great choices that won’t send your blood sugar soaring. If your food comes with bread or a bun, ask if you can skip it or swap it out for a lettuce wrap to cut down on carbs. Stay away from fried foods, which often have hidden carbs from batter and soak up unhealthy fats. And don’t be shy about asking how things are cooked and try to add some veggies to your meal with a salad or grilled veggies, which will help keep things balanced.

Keep an Eye on Portion Sizes

Big portions can mean more calories and a bigger spike in your blood sugar, especially if the food is high in carbs and fats. Controlling how much you eat lets you enjoy a little bit of everything without throwing your blood sugar off balance.

So go for smaller servings or split a larger dish with a friend. Many vendors are happy to serve smaller portions, so don’t hesitate to ask. And start with a small amount and eat slowly—this gives your body time to signal when you’re full so that you don’t end up overeating. 

Be Smart About Condiments and Sides

Those tasty condiments and tempting sides can pack hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and lots of sodium, all of which can mess with your blood sugar levels. Things like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and sweet chili sauce often have added sugars, while sides like fries or fried rice can be loaded with unhealthy fats and extra salt.

Opt for simpler condiments like mustard, vinegar, or hot sauce—they usually have less sugar and fewer unhealthy fats. And ask for sauces and dressings on the side so that you can control how much you use. In fact, you could even bring your own fresh herbs, lemon juice, or spices to add flavor. 

By being mindful of your choices, you can still enjoy all the flavors street food has to offer without compromising your diabetes management. The key is to make thoughtful decisions, balance your meals with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, and savor every bite!